Controlling bias voltages for optical modulators

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for controlling a bias voltage ( 20 ) supplied to an optical modulator that comprises a biasable component configurable to be biased by application of the bias voltage ( 20 ), the method comprising: providing a target for the modulator output power; applying, to the biasable component, a bias voltage ( 20 ) that biases the biasable component so that the output power is within a pre-defined range of the target; monitoring the output power and, if the output power of the modulator is determined to be outside the pre-defined range, varying the value of the bias voltage ( 20 ) to bring the output power back within the pre-defined range; and monitoring the optical input to the modulator and, if it has been disabled, maintaining the bias voltage ( 20 ) at its current level for a pre-determined length of time that is dependent upon how long the modulator has been operating at quadrature.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to controlling bias voltages supplied tooptical modulators.

BACKGROUND

The use of bias controllers and (e.g. Mach-Zehnder (MZ)) modulators incommunications systems is known. Controllers and modulators may be usedto modulate an input optical carrier signal with a radio frequency (RF)communications signal.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of an MZ modulator 1.

The MZ modulator 1 provides a mechanism whereby an input optical carriersignal may be modulated with a communications signal, for example withan RF communications signal. In this example the modulator iseffectively an interferometer, created by forming an optical waveguidein a suitable substrate such as Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) or GalliumArsenide (GaAs) or Indium Phosphide (InP).

A waveguide 11 of the MZ modulator 1 is split into two branches 11 a, 11b before recombining at an optical coupler 13. An optical carrier signalin the form of a beam of light enters one side of the modulator 1 (asindicated by an arrow at the left-hand side of FIG. 1) and exits themodulator 1 at the opposite side (i.e. at the right-hand side of FIG. 1)having passed through both branches 11 a, 11 b of the waveguide 11.

One of the waveguide branches 11 a includes an asymmetry 15 thatfunctions to introduce a phase difference between light travelling downrespective branches 11 a, 11 b of the waveguide 11. The phase differenceis chosen to be approximately 90 degrees at the wavelength of operation,which is typically in the region of 1300 or 1550 nanometres. Thisinduces quadrature bias where the optical output is nominally 50% of itsmaximum.

Lithium Niobate (in common with other similar materials such as GaAs orInP) is a glass-like material with a crystal structure that exhibits anelectro-optic effect whereby the refractive index of the crystalstructure changes as a voltage is applied thereto. In particular, thedirection of the electric field induced by the applied voltage causes anincrease or decrease in refractive index. An increased refractive indexacts so as to slow light travelling through the crystal, and a decreasedrefractive index acts so as to increase the speed of light travellingthrough the crystal. In MZ modulators, the Lithium Niobate material isusually arranged so as to have an X cut, Y propagate crystal orientationwith respect to the input optical signal, and in this context anelectric field applied in the X direction (positive or negative) causesa change in the refractive index of the material that affects the speedof the light passing along the Y axis.

As shown in FIG. 1, a modulating electrode 7 is provided between thebranches 11 a, 11 b of the waveguide 11. When the modulating electrode 7is energised by an applied signal (e.g. a radio frequency or digitalcommunications signal), positive and negative electric fields areestablished between the modulating electrode 7 and, respectively, afirst 3 and a second 5 ground plane. The modulating electrode 7 isdesigned as a transmission line so that the modulating signal travelswith the optical carrier signal through the MZ modulator 1, therebyenabling high modulating frequencies to be achieved.

The positive and negative electric fields cause the refractive index ofthe two branches 11 a, 11 b of the waveguide 11 to change (the positivefield causing an increase in refractive index for branch 11 a, and thenegative field causing a decrease in refractive index for branch 11 b),and the resulting different propagation speeds of the optical carriersignal through each branch cause a change in phase in the signals outputto the optical combiner 13, which phase change causes the output levelof light from the optical combiner 13 to change. In effect, as theelectric fields experienced by each branch varies with thecommunications signal applied to the modulating electrode 7, so thephase difference between light passing through the two branches changesand the output level of the optical signal output from the combiner 13varies accordingly. The net effect of this is that the input opticalcarrier signal is modulated with the communications signal applied tothe modulating electrode 7.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a modulatortransfer function. This transfer characteristic of the MZ modulator 1 isapproximately sinusoidal. The most linear modulation tends to beachieved in and around the quadrature point (also known simply as“quadrature”). The quadrature point is the point where there is a 90degree phase relationship between light travelling through respectivebranches 11 a, 11 b of the waveguide 11. The transfer function is arepeating function, and as such there are many quadrature points atdifferent bias voltages but all with the same power output. Indicated inFIG. 2 by the reference sign A is a first quadrature point. At thisfirst quadrature point A the output power is increasing with biasvoltage, and hence this quadrature point A is referred to as a positiveslope quadrature bias point. Indicated in FIG. 2 by the reference signsB and C are two further quadrature points B and C where the output poweris decreasing with bias voltage. These quadrature points B, C are eachreferred to as negative slope quadrature bias points.

In practice, the preferred 90 degree phase shift is rarely, if ever,achieved. To compensate for this, it is usual to include a biasablecomponent 9, and to apply a DC bias voltage to the biasable component 9,to return the MZ modulator 1 to or near to one of the aforementionedquadrature points. In the arrangement depicted in FIG. 1, the biasablecomponent 9 comprises a discrete bias electrode (this is merelyillustrative as a number of alternative arrangements are known topersons skilled in the art). For example, a bias voltage may be applieddirectly to the modulating electrode 7 by means of a so-called bias-Tee.In such an arrangement, the DC bias is coupled to the electrode via aninductor, and the applied signal (for example an RF communicationssignal) is coupled to the electrode via a capacitor.

A problem with this arrangement is that the bias point, i.e. the voltagethat needs to be applied to the biasable component 9 to return the MZmodulator 1 to or near the quadrature point, shifts over time. Forexample, so-called trapped charges (e.g. that exist in the regionsbetween electrodes, e.g. in a silicon dioxide buffer layer on thesurface of the device) and temperature variations can each cause thebias point to shift at a rate of anything from a few millivolts per hourto several volts per hour. Thus, conventionally it tends not to bepossible to provide a system where the bias voltage, once set, need notbe changed. As such it is usual to provide some sort of dynamic biascontrol to enable modulator linearity to be maintained over an extendedperiod of time.

In the analogue domain, dynamic bias control has previously beenachieved by applying a pilot tone (for example a 10 kHz tone for amulti-GHz communications signal of interest) to the modulatingelectrode, by monitoring the output of the modulator and by adjustingthe bias voltage based on that output. For example, as the 2^(nd)harmonic of the pilot tone usually tends to be minimal at or around thequadrature point, one previously proposed approach monitors this secondharmonic and adjusts the applied DC bias voltage to minimise the secondharmonic. A similar approach has previously been proposed for thedigital domain, but in this instance the signal applied is typically asquare wave dither signal, and the output is monitored by a digitalsignal processor.

Whilst each of these approaches do enable a form of dynamic bias controlto be provided, they each have attendant disadvantages. For example, theapplication of a pilot tone necessarily gives rise to modulationproducts (for example sidebands) that limit the performance of thesystem, and for high-fidelity optical links this reduction inperformance is unacceptable. In very high-speed links (for example,digital links with speeds of up to 100 GBit/s and analogue links withfrequencies of up to 60 GHz), the application of a dither can adverselyaffect the achievable data rate and the length of link that isachievable. Another disadvantage particularly prevalent in instanceswhere multiple channels are required, for example in a phased arrayantenna system, is that as each modulator is different the bias controlhardware needs to be fully replicated for each and every modulator. Thisincreases system bulk, complexity and cost.

WO 2008/059198 discloses a bias controller for an optical modulator. Themodulator includes a bias electrode that is operable when appropriatelybiased by an applied bias voltage to configure the modulator to operateat quadrature. The bias controller comprises means for generating powersignals indicative of the optical output power of the modulator, and aprocessor operably connected to the generating means and the biaselectrode. The processor is arranged to receive the power signals fromthe generating means and to control the bias voltage applied to the biaselectrode. The processor is configured to vary the bias voltage appliedto the bias electrode and to determine (from power signals received fromthe generating means) a peak optical output power for the modulator. Theprocessor is further configured to determine, in dependence upon thepeak optical power, a target optical power for quadrature with referenceto a store of predetermined values for peak output power and respectivecorresponding values of target optical power for quadrature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method ofcontrolling an optical modulator, the modulator being configurable to bebiased by application of the bias voltage such that the modulatoroperates at quadrature, the method comprising: receiving, by themodulator, an optical input; outputting, by the modulator, an opticaloutput having an output power; providing a target for the output power,the target for the output power being an output power corresponding tothe modulator operating at quadrature; applying, to the modulator, abias voltage that biases the modulator so that the output power iswithin a pre-defined range of the target output power; thereafter,detecting that an optical input to the optical modulator has beendisabled; determining a first length of time, the first length of timebeing a length of time that, prior to the optical input to the opticalmodulator being disabled, the output power of the modulator was withinpre-defined range of the target output power; and maintaining the biasvoltage at its current level for a second length of time, the secondlength of time being dependent upon the first length of time.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method ofcontrolling a bias voltage supplied to an optical modulator, themodulator being configurable to be biased by application of the biasvoltage such that the modulator operates at quadrature, the methodcomprising: providing a target for the output power of the modulator,the target for the output power of the modulator being an output powercorresponding to the modulator operating at quadrature, applying, to themodulator, a bias voltage that biases the modulator so that the outputpower of the modulator is within a pre-defined range of the targetoutput power, monitoring the output power of the modulator and, if theoutput power of the modulator is determined to be outside thepre-defined range of the target output power, varying the value of thebias voltage so as to bring the output power of the modulator back tobeing within the pre-defined range of the target output power, andmonitoring the optical input to the modulator and, if it is determinedthat an optical input to the optical modulator has been disabled,maintaining the bias voltage at its current level for a pre-determinedlength of time, the predetermined length of time being dependent uponthe length of time that the modulator has been operating at quadrature.

The bias voltage may be confined to being within the pre-defined biasvoltage range.

The method may further comprise, if the bias voltage is at a value thatis at an extreme of the pre-defined bias voltage range, re-setting thebias voltage to be equal to an initial value.

Prior to setting the bias voltage to be equal to its initial value, thecurrent value of the bias voltage may be maintained for a predeterminedlength of time.

After the bias voltage has been maintained at its current level for thepre-determined length of time, the bias voltage may be reset to aninitial value.

The initial value may be 0V.

The predetermined length of time for which the bias voltage ismaintained at its current level may be zero if the length of time thatthe modulator has been operating at quadrature is below a thresholdvalue.

The method may further comprise, if, in order to bring the output powerof the modulator back to being within the pre-defined range of thetarget output power, the bias voltage is to be set at a value that isoutside the pre-defined bias voltage range, sending, for use by a hostsystem, a status message.

The method may further comprise, if the bias voltage is at a value thatis at an extreme of the pre-defined bias voltage range, sending, for useby a host system, a status message.

The step of varying the value of the bias voltage so as to bring theoutput power of the modulator back to being within the pre-defined rangeof the target output power may comprise: comparing the output power ofthe modulator to the target output power to determine whether the outputpower of the modulator is either higher or lower than the pre-definedrange of the target output power, determining a direction of a slope ofthe output power of the modulator relative to the applied bias voltage,and, depending on the determined slope direction and whether the outputpower of the modulator is either higher or lower than the pre-definedrange of the target output power, either increasing or decreasing thebias voltage by a predetermined amount.

The size of the predetermined amount that bias voltage may be eitherincreased or decreased by is dependent upon how long the modulator hasbeen operating at quadrature.

Comparing the output power of the modulator to the target output powermay be performed either using a window comparator, or using an analogueto digital converter and digital processing means.

The output power of the modulator may be deemed to be within apre-defined range of the target output power if the output power of themodulator is substantially equal to the target output power.

The target output power may be provided by means of a potentiometer or adigital-to-analogue converter.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method ofcontrolling a modulating unit for an optical communications system, themodulating unit comprising a laser for generating an optical carriersignal, an optical modulator for modulating the optical carrier signal,the optical modulator being configurable to be biased by application ofa bias voltage such that the optical modulator operates at quadrature,the method comprising controlling the bias voltage supplied to theoptical modulator using a method of any of the above aspects.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides apparatus forcontrolling a bias voltage supplied to an optical modulator, themodulator being configurable to be biased by application of the biasvoltage such that the modulator operates at quadrature, the apparatuscomprising one or more processors configured to: apply, to themodulator, a bias voltage that biases the modulator so that the outputpower of the modulator is within a pre-defined range of the targetoutput power, the target output power being an output powercorresponding to the modulator operating at quadrature, monitor theoutput power of the modulator and, if the output power of the modulatoris determined to be outside the pre-defined range of the target outputpower, vary the value of the bias voltage so as to bring the outputpower of the modulator back to being within the pre-defined range of thetarget output power, and determine whether an optical input to theoptical modulator has been disabled, wherein the one or more processorsare further configured to, if it is determined that an optical input tothe optical modulator has been disabled, maintain the bias voltage atits current level for a pre-determined length of time, the predeterminedlength of time being dependent upon the length of time that themodulator has been operating at quadrature.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides apparatus forcontrolling an optical modulator, the modulator being configurable to bebiased by application of the bias voltage such that the modulatoroperates at quadrature, the modulator being configured to receive anoptical input and output an optical output, the optical output having anoutput power, the apparatus comprising: voltage application meansconfigured to apply, to the modulator, a bias voltage that biases themodulator so that the output power is within a pre-defined range of atarget output power, the target for the output power being an outputpower corresponding to the modulator operating at quadrature; detectionmeans configured to detect that an optical input to the opticalmodulator has been disabled; and one or more processors configured todetermine a first length of time, the first length of time being alength of time that, prior to the optical input to the optical modulatorbeing disabled, the output power of the modulator was within pre-definedrange of the target output power; wherein the voltage application meansis further configured to, when the optical input to the opticalmodulator is disabled, maintain the bias voltage at its current levelfor a second length of time, the second length of time being dependentupon the first length of time.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a computer programor plurality of computer programs arranged such that when executed by acomputer system it/they cause the computer system to operate inaccordance with the method of any of the above aspects.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a machine readablestorage medium storing a computer program or at least one of theplurality of computer programs according to the above aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of an MZ modulator;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a modulatortransfer function;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a first examplenetwork in which an embodiment of a bias controller is implemented;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a second examplenetwork in which the bias controller is implemented;

FIG. 5 is a process flow chart showing certain steps of an embodiment ofa control algorithm;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a graph showing abias point search;

FIG. 7 is a process flow chart of an example tracking or chase process;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a further graphshowing a bias point search; and

FIG. 9 is a process flow chart showing certain steps of a process thatmay be performed by the bias controller if a laser is disabled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedhereafter with particular reference to a bias controller for amodulator. Such controllers and modulators are typically employed incommunications systems to modulate an input optical carrier signal witha radio frequency (RF) communications signal. Whilst the teachings ofthe present invention have great utility in optical communicationssystems, i.e. communications systems where the nodes of the system areoptically connected, it will be immediately appreciated by persons ofordinary skill in the art that the teachings of the invention mayotherwise be applied. Accordingly, the following illustrativedescription should not be read as being limited solely to communicationssystems.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a first examplenetwork 100 in which an embodiment of a bias controller 4 isimplemented.

In the first network 100, the bias controller 4 is coupled to amodulator, e.g. an MZ modulator of the type depicted in FIG. 1. Themodulator in FIG. 3 is driven by a continuous wave laser that isoperable to provide an optical carrier signal with which acommunications signal (such as an RF communications signal) is to bemodulated. In this example, the modulator includes a separate biaselectrode, however other arrangements are possible.

The bias controller 4 comprises a photodiode 6 that is coupled to themodulator output by means of an optical tap coupler 5. The optical tapcoupler 5 is operable to monitor the optical signal output of themodulator and pass approximately 1 to 5% of that output to thephotodiode 6. The photodiode 6 and coupler 5 may be combined in a singleunit (for example the unit may comprise a partially reflective mirrorand may be arranged so that light enters the unit via a first fibre andmost (e.g. 95%) is reflected into another fibre; a proportion of thatlight (e.g. 5%) being transmitted through the mirror to be incident uponthe photodiode 6). As an alternative, the photodiode 6 may be integratedinto the modulator i.e. in other embodiments, the bias controller 4 doesnot comprise a photodiode 6 which is instead integrated with themodulator. An integrated photodiode may be arranged to capture anevanescent field from the output waveguide, or alternatively may bearranged to face the end of the modulator so as to capture light outputfrom a dump port of the modulator. Use of an integrated photodiodeadvantageously tends to minimise output losses. Furthermore, if theintegrated photodiode is arranged to capture light output from a dumpport of the modulator, the photodiode tends to be exposed to a muchhigher optical input. Thus, a need for subsequent sensitive detectioncircuitry tends to be reduced or eliminated.

The photodiode 6 is reverse-biased. Light incident on the photodiode 6is converted to current, proportional to the incident light. Thephotodiode 6 is a relatively large area, low bandwidth device, whichprevents it from detecting the radio frequency (RF) component of themodulated signal. Thus, the photodiode 6 advantageously tends only toreturn the direct current (DC) component of the signal.

The output of the photodiode 6 is coupled to a resistor 8. The resistor8 converts current (passed to the resistor 8 from the photodiode 6) to avoltage. The resistor 8 tends to advantageously provide a relativelysimple and cheap means of converting current to voltage. In otherembodiments, such conversion may be performed by different means, e.g. atransimpedance amplifier. This would tend to provide higher sensitivitythan a resistor, thereby allowing for smaller amounts of optical powerto be tapped off from the modulator output.

The output of the resistor 8 is coupled to a window comparator 10. Inother words, an input of the window comparator 10 is the voltagesupplied by the resistor 8. A further input of the window comparator 10is a voltage supplied by a potentiometer 12. The potentiometer suppliesa voltage 12, for use as a target voltage, to the window comparator 10.The target voltage supplied by the potentiometer is a signal that isindicative of a target optical power for the modulator for quadrature.In other embodiments, the target voltage may be set by a differentmeans. For example, the target voltage may be set using adigital-to-analogue converter (DAC). This would tend to advantageouslyallow for remote adjustment of the bias point of the modulator. Also forexample, the target voltage could take a fixed value, e.g. if theresistor 8 was a variable resistor.

The window comparator 10 compares the voltage supplied by the resistor 8against the target voltage supplied by the potentiometer 12. This isdone to determine whether the reference voltage (i.e. the voltagesupplied by the resistor 8) is “too high”, “too low”, or “acceptable”relative to the target voltage. The terminology “acceptable” may, forexample, be used to refer to reference voltages within 1% of the targetvoltage. The terminology “too high” may, for example, be used to referto reference voltages that are greater than or equal to the targetvoltage plus 1%. The terminology “too low” may, for example, be used torefer to reference voltages that are less than or equal to the targetvoltage minus 1%. The use of a window comparator 10 in performing theaforementioned comparison advantageously tends to alleviate problemscaused by oscillations in the bias voltage (e.g. that may occur when thereference voltage is repeatedly adjusted to be too high, then too lowetc.) that may result if, for example, a single point comparator wereused. Nevertheless, in other embodiments, a single point comparator orother type of comparator may be used to compare the reference and targetvoltages.

The output of the window comparator 10 is coupled to a processor 14. Anoutput of the window comparator 10 may be an indication as to whetherthe reference voltage is too high, too low or acceptable relative to thetarget voltage. In other embodiments, the result of the comparison ofthe reference and target voltages may be indicated to the processor 14in a different way. For example, if the reference voltage is either toohigh or too low in relation to the target voltage, the window comparator10 may send a corresponding signal to the processor 14 informing theprocessor 14 that the reference voltage is either too high or too low,whereas if the reference voltage is within an acceptable range of thetarget voltage, no such indication would be sent. Thus, the processor 14is able to ascertain, using the output of the window comparator 10,whether the reference voltage is too high, too low or adequate relativeto the target voltage.

In this embodiment, the processor 14 is a Field Programmable Gate Array(FPGA). In other embodiments, the processor 14 is a different type ofprocessor, e.g. a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD),Microcontroller, Digital Signal Processor (DSP) etc.

The processor 14 is configured to perform a control algorithm using theoutput of the window comparator 10. An embodiment of the controlalgorithm used by the processor 14 is described in more detail laterbelow with reference to FIG. 5. The control algorithm is performed to,using the output of the window comparator 10, set and/or adjust a biasvoltage supplied to the modulator until the modulator reaches aquadrature point (or other bias point). The bias voltage is supplied tothe modulator by the processor 14 by means of a digital to analogueconvertor (DAC) 16 and an amplifier 18. The DAC 16 may be, for example,a single-ended (positive output only) device. The amplifier 18 mayintroduce an offset voltage to allow for the generation of negative aswell as positive bias voltages.

The processor 14 may additionally be connected to a host system (notshown in the Figures). This connection may be such that information maybe sent between the processor 14 and the host system. For example, theprocessor 14 may report, to the host system, the state of the laserand/or indicate the value of the bias voltage supplied by it to themodulator. Also for example, the host system may send instructions tothe processor 14, e.g. an instruction that the processor 14 should“reset” the bias voltage to its initial, i.e. starting value, e.g. 0V.The host system may, for example, be a health monitoring system, or anoverall control system for a radar system. Also, as described in moredetail later below, the host system may be configured to take control ofif/when the bias voltage is adjusted.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a second examplenetwork 101 in which the bias controller 4 is implemented.

In this further embodiment, the laser, modulator, bias controller 4, andoptical tap coupler 5 are arranged as described above with reference toFIG. 1. The second network 101 additionally comprises a laser controllerfor controlling the laser. In addition to being operatively coupled tothe laser, the laser controller is coupled to processor 14 such thatsignals indicative of the state of the laser may be sent from the lasercontroller to the processor 14. Using these signals, the processor 14may, for example, determine when the laser has been enabled/disabled,when the laser power has stabilised etc. The processor 14 may relayinformation relating to the status of the laser to remote systems orapparatus (e.g. the host system).

Apparatus, including the processor 14, for implementing any of the abovearrangements, and performing the method steps to be described laterbelow, may be provided by configuring or adapting any suitableapparatus, for example one or more computers or other processingapparatus or processors, and/or providing additional modules. Theapparatus may comprise a computer, a network of computers, or one ormore processors, for implementing instructions and using data, includinginstructions and data in the form of a computer program or plurality ofcomputer programs stored in or on a machine readable storage medium suchas computer memory, a computer disk, ROM, PROM etc., or any combinationof these or other storage media.

FIG. 5 is a process flow chart showing certain steps of an embodiment ofthe control algorithm performed by the processor 14 to set and/or adjustthe bias voltage applied to the modulator.

At step s2, the processor 14 sets bias voltage of the modulator to 0V.

At step s4, the processor 14 waits for the laser to be enabled, i.e.turned on, and for the laser to stabilise. For example, waiting for thelaser to stabilise may be achieved by the processor 14 in the firstnetwork 100 by waiting a predetermined amount of time. Also for example,in the second network 101, the processor may be sent one or more signals(from the laser controller) indicating that the laser has been enabledand/or that the laser power has stabilised.

At step s6, the processor 14 searches for the bias point of themodulator that is closest to 0V. In this embodiment, this is performedby the processor 14 sweeping the bias voltage of the modulator in azigzag fashion, starting at 0V with gradually increasing amplitude.

In this embodiment, the bias voltage of the modulator is swept in azigzag fashion with gradually increasing amplitude. In otherembodiments, this search for a bias point may be performed in adifferent way, for example by alternately increasing and decreasing (ordecreasing and increasing) the bias function, e.g. with increasingamplitude, in a different pattern (i.e. a pattern other a zigzag). Forexample, the bias voltage may be swept in the pattern of a sine functionthat has increasing amplitude in time.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a graph 102 showingthe bias voltage 20 supplied by the processor 14. The bias voltage 20 isswept in a zigzag fashion, starting at 0V and with gradually increasingamplitude. In this embodiment, the bias voltage 20 of the modulator isswept in this zigzag fashion until the output of the window comparator10 changes state, i.e. until the window comparator 10 changes fromindicating to the processor 14 that the output voltage of the modulatoris too low (relative to the target voltage) to indicating to theprocessor 14 that the output voltage of the modulator is too high(relative to the target voltage). This change of state of the output ofthe window comparator 10 occurs as the output voltage of the modulatorpasses the target voltage supplied to the window comparator 10 by thepotentiometer 12. Thus, a bias point or quadrature point of themodulator is located.

At step s8, the direction/slope (i.e. positive or negative) of theoutput of the modulator at the bias point is determined by the processor14. In this embodiment, this is determined by determining whether theoutput of the window comparator 10 changes from too high to too low (inwhich case the slope of the graph 102 at the bias point is negative) orfrom too low to too high (in which case the slope of the graph 102 atthe bias point is positive). The determination of the direction of theslope of the modulator output at the bias point advantageously tends tofacilitate the tracking of the bias point by the processor 14.

The bias point of the modulator will initially tend to drift, e.g. dueto changes in short-term average applied bias voltage. To account forthis (relatively rapid) drifting of the bias point, at step s10, theprocessor 14 performs a so-called “chase” process. This chase process isperformed by the processor 14 for a pre-defined period of time (e.g. aperiod of time that has been empirically determined, e.g. 20 seconds).

Further information regarding the chase process is provided later belowwith reference to FIG. 7. The process described with reference to FIG. 7may also be used to perform the later described “fast-tracking” process(performed at step s18) and the later described “slow-tracking” process(performed at step s20). Basically, in this embodiment the chase processcomprises continually adjusting (i.e. increasing or decreasing) the biasvoltage in relatively large steps over a period of time (e.g. anempirically determined period of time, e.g. 20 seconds). The steps bywhich the processor 14 adjusts the bias voltage during the chase processare large relative to the steps that the processor 14 adjusts the biasvoltage in other bias point tracking processes e.g. the fast-trackingprocess performed at step s18 and the slow-tracking process performed atstep s20 (which processes are described in more detail later below).Also, the chase process comprises adjusting the bias voltage dependingupon the output of the window comparator 10. For example, if the windowcomparator 10 indicates that the output voltage of the modulator is toohigh, and the processor 14 determines that the slope of the graph 102 iscurrently positive, then the processor 14 reduces the bias voltagesupplied to the modulator by a relatively large amount. Likewise, if thewindow comparator 10 indicates that the output voltage of the modulatoris too low and the processor 14 determines that the slope of the graph102 is currently positive, then the processor 14 increases the biasvoltage supplied to the modulator by a relatively large amount. Therelatively large step sizes by which the bias voltage is adjusted duringthe chase phase, and the duration of the chase phase may be determinedempirically. For example, a step size for the chase process may bedetermined to be approximately 125 mV. Empirically determining the stepsizes used during the chase phase, and/or the duration of the chasephase advantageously tends to provide that the process of FIG. 5 may beimplemented using any appropriate components, e.g. using a modulatorfrom one or a plurality of different manufacturers.

The output of the modulator may lag behind the bias input by asignificant but variable period of time (e.g. 100-500 ms). Thus, ittends to be possible for the processor 14 to miscalculate the bias slope(i.e. the processor 14 may determine the slope of the modulator outputat the bias point to be positive when it is actually negative, and viceversa). As a result of this, during the chase process, the processor 14may “chase” the bias point in the wrong direction. This may occur, forexample, if the bias point of the modulator is immediately before acorner of the zigzag portion of the bias voltage 20.

This problem may be solved by performing steps s12 to s16, as describedbelow. Alternatively, this problem may be solved for example by, whensweeping the bias voltage of the modulator (as performed at step s6),maintaining a substantially constant bias voltage for a certain periodof time between increasing the bias voltage and decreasing the biasvoltage, and between decreasing the bias voltage and increasing the biasvoltage. In other words, when the bias voltage is swept in a zigzagfashion, at each corner of the zigzag, the bias voltage may bemaintained for a certain amount of time. However, this tends to increasethe length of time that it takes to find a bias point.

At step s12, the processor 14 determines whether or not, during thechase process, the output of the window comparator 10 continuallychanges between being indicative of the output voltage of the modulatorbeing too high and being indicative of the output voltage of themodulator being too low.

If, at step s12, it is determined that the output of the windowcomparator 10 does continually change between being indicative of theoutput voltage of the modulator being too high and being indicative ofthe output voltage of the modulator being too low, it is determined thatthe slope of the graph 102 (determined at step s8) is correct. In thiscase, the process of FIG. 5 proceeds to step s18 which will be describedin more detail later below after the description of steps s14 and s16.

However, if, at step s12, it is determined that the output of the windowcomparator 10 does not continually change between being indicative ofthe output voltage of the modulator being too high and being indicativeof the output voltage of the modulator being too low (i.e. the windowcomparator 10 indicates that the output voltage of the modulator is toolow or too high throughout the chase process), it is determined that theslope of the graph 102 (determined at step s8) is incorrect. In thiscase, the process of FIG. 5 proceeds to step s14.

At step s14, the processor 14 the bias voltage is reverted to the levelit had at the start of the chase process, i.e. the processor 14 sets thebias voltage to be equal to the bias voltage at the beginning of thechase process. In other words, if, during the chase process, the biasvoltage has been increased, the processor 14 decreases the bias voltageby the amount that it had been increased during the chase process.Likewise, if, during the chase process, the bias voltage has beendecreased, the processor 14 increases the bias voltage by the amountthat it had been decreased during the chase process. This reversion ofthe bias voltage to its original level may be performed over a period oftime to avoid the application of a step change in voltage to themodulator.

At step s16, the chase process of step s10 is re-performed using thecorrected slope of the modulator output at the bias point, i.e. usingthe opposite slope to that determined at step s8.

Thus, after step s16, the bias point of the modulator has been trackedas it would have been had the correct slope has been determined by theprocessor 14 at step s8. After step s16, the method proceeds to steps18.

At step s18, after the chase process has been performed for apredetermined period of time, the processor 14 performs a so-called“fast-tracking” process. In this embodiment, the fast-tracking processis the same as the chase process except that the steps by which theprocessor 14 adjusts the bias voltage during the fast-tracking processare relatively small compared to those used during the chase process.For example, a step size for the fast-tracking process may beempirically determined to be, e.g., approximately 4 mV. Empiricallydetermining the step sizes used during the fast-tracking process phase,and/or the duration of the fast-tracking process phase advantageouslytends to provide that the process of FIG. 5 may be implemented using anyappropriate components, e.g. using parts from a variety of differentmanufacturers.

Further information regarding the fast-tracking process is providedbelow with reference to FIG. 7. The process described with reference toFIG. 7 may also be used for the chase process (performed at step s10)and the later described slow-tracking process (performed at step s20)

Basically, in this embodiment, the fast-tracking process comprisescontinually adjusting (i.e. increasing or decreasing) the bias voltagein relatively small steps over a period of time (e.g. an empiricallydetermined period of time, e.g. 2 minutes) and depending upon the outputof the window comparator 10. The period of time for which thefast-tracking process is performed may be the same as or different tothe period of time for which the chase process is performed.

At step s20, after the fast-tracking process has been performed for apredetermined period of time, the processor 14 performs a so-called“slow-tracking” process. In this embodiment, the slow-tracking processis the same as the fast-tracking and chase processes except that thesteps by which the processor 14 adjusts the bias voltage during theslow-tracking process are relatively small compared to those used duringthe fast-tracking and chase processes. For example, a step size for theslow-tracking process may be empirically determined to be, e.g.,approximately 2 mV. Empirically determining the step sizes used duringthe slow-tracking process phase advantageously tends to provide that theprocess of FIG. 5 may be implemented using any appropriate components,e.g. using parts from a variety of different manufacturers. Theslow-tracking process may be performed for as long as desired e.g. foras long as the system remains operational.

Further information regarding the slow-tracking is provided later belowwith reference to FIG. 7. The process described with reference to FIG. 7may also be used for the chase process (performed at step s10) and thefast-tracking process (performed at step s18).

Basically, in this embodiment, the slow-tracking process comprisescontinually adjusting (i.e. increasing or decreasing) the bias voltagein relatively small steps over a period of time (e.g. whilst the laseris enabled or switched on) and depending upon the output of the windowcomparator 10. During the slow-tracking process, the window comparator10 tends to only occasionally report that the bias condition of themodulator is too high or too low, if at all. In other words, during theslow-tracking process and for the majority of the slow-tracking process,the output of the window comparator 10 tends to indicative that theoutput voltage of the modulator is adequate.

Thus, an embodiment of the control algorithm performed by the processor14 to set and/or adjust the bias voltage applied to the modulator isprovided.

FIG. 7 is a process flow chart of an example tracking or chase process.The process of FIG. 7 may be used to perform the chase process(performed at step s10 of FIG. 5), the fast-tracking process (performedat step s18 of FIG. 5), and/or the slow-tracking process (performed atstep s20 of FIG. 5).

In this embodiment, the process of FIG. 7 is performed by the processor14.

At step s22, the processor 14 receives the latest output of the windowcomparator 10. The received output of the window comparator 10 is anindication as to whether the output voltage of the modulator is toohigh, too low, or acceptable relative to the target voltage.

At step s24, the processor 14 determines whether the output voltage ofthe modulator is too high, too low, or acceptable relative to the targetvoltage.

If, at step s24, the output voltage of the modulator is too high, themethod proceeds to step s26.

If, at step s24, the output voltage of the modulator is too high, themethod proceeds to step s28.

In this embodiment, if, at step s24, the output voltage of the modulatoris neither too high nor too low (i.e. the output voltage of themodulator is acceptable relative to the target voltage) no action istaken and the processor 14 waits to receive the next output of thewindow comparator 10 (i.e. in effect, the method proceeds back to steps22).

At step s26, it is determined whether the direction/slope of the graph102 of the bias voltage 20 at the bias point (as determined at step s8above) is positive or negative.

If, at step s26, it is determined that the slope of the graph 102 at thebias point is positive, the method proceeds to step s30.

If, at step s26, it is determined that the slope of the graph 102 at thebias point is negative, the method proceeds to step s32.

At step s28, it is determined whether the direction/slope of the graph102 of the bias voltage 20 at the bias point (as determined at step s8above) is positive or negative.

If, at step s28, it is determined that the slope of the graph 102 at thebias point is negative, the method proceeds to step s30.

If, at step s28, it is determined that the slope of the graph 102 at thebias point is positive, the method proceeds to step s32.

At step s30, the processor 14 decreases the bias voltage supplied to themodulator.

For the chase process of step s8 of FIG. 5, the processor 14 decreasesthe bias voltage by a relatively large amount, i.e. the bias voltage isdecreased by a relatively large step. The steps by which the processor14 decreases the bias voltage during the chase process are largerelative to the steps that the processor 14 adjusts the bias voltageduring the fast-tracking and slow-tracking processes.

For the fast-tracking process of step s18 of FIG. 5, the processor 14decreases the bias voltage by an amount that is relatively smallcompared to the steps by which the processor 14 adjusts the bias voltageduring the chase process, and that is relatively large compared to thesteps that the processor 14 adjusts the bias voltage during theslow-tracking process.

For the slow-tracking process of step s20 of FIG. 5, the processor 14decreases the bias voltage by a relatively small amount, i.e. the biasvoltage is decreased by a relatively small step. The steps by which theprocessor 14 decreases the bias voltage during the slow-tracking processare small relative to the steps that the processor 14 adjusts the biasvoltage during the fast-tracking and chase processes.

After step s30, the method of FIG. 7 proceeds to step s34.

At step s32, the processor 14 increases the bias voltage supplied to themodulator.

If the chase process of step s8 of FIG. 5 is being performed, theprocessor 14 increases the bias voltage by a relatively large amount,i.e. the bias voltage is increased by a relatively large step. The stepsby which the processor 14 increases the bias voltage during the chaseprocess are large relative to the steps that the processor 14 adjuststhe bias voltage during the fast-tracking and slow-tracking processes.

If the fast-tracking process of step s18 of FIG. 5 is being performed,the processor 14 increases the bias voltage by an amount that isrelatively small compared to the steps by which the processor 14 adjuststhe bias voltage during the chase process, and that are relatively largecompared to the steps that the processor 14 adjusts the bias voltageduring the slow-tracking process.

If the slow-tracking process of step s20 of FIG. 5 is being performed,the processor 14 increases the bias voltage by a relatively smallamount, i.e. the bias voltage is decreased by a relatively small step.The steps by which the processor 14 increases the bias voltage duringthe slow-tracking process are small relative to the steps that theprocessor 14 adjusts the bias voltage during the fast-tracking and chaseprocesses.

After step s32, the method of FIG. 7 proceeds to step s34.

At step s34, the processor 14 waits a predetermined amount of time (e.g.that may be determined empirically) to allow for the modulator to adjustto the increased/decreased bias voltage.

At step s36, it is determined whether or not the time period for whichthe tracking or chase process of FIG. 7 is to be performed has elapsed.In other words, it is determined whether the process of FIG. 7 shouldend.

If, at step s36, it is determined that the time period for which thetracking or chase process of FIG. 7 is to be performed has elapsed, themethod ends.

However, if, at step s36, it is determined that the time period forwhich the tracking or chase process of FIG. 7 is to be performed has notelapsed, the method returns to step s22, at which point a new output isreceived by the processor 14 from the window comparator 10.

In other embodiments, the tracking or chase process of FIG. 7 may beperformed continuously, and the bias point step size may be adjustede.g. on a timer.

Thus, an example tracking or chase process that may be performed at anyor all of steps s10, s18, and s20 of FIG. 5 is provided.

It should be noted that certain of the process steps depicted in theflowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 7 and described above may be omitted or suchprocess steps may be performed in differing order to that presentedabove and shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. Furthermore, although all the processsteps have, for convenience and ease of understanding, been depicted asdiscrete temporally-sequential steps, nevertheless some of the processsteps may in fact be performed simultaneously or at least overlapping tosome extent temporally.

In the above embodiments, at step s6, the processor searches for thebias point closest to 0V by sweeping the bias voltage of the modulatorin a zigzag fashion, starting at 0V and with gradually increasingamplitude. In the above embodiments, a symmetric zigzag sweep (such asthat shown in FIG. 6) is used. For example, the corners of a symmetriczigzag sweep may be: −1V, +1V, −1.5V, +1.5V, −2V, +2V etc. However, inother embodiments, the processor searches for the bias point closest to0V using a different search pattern. For example, the processor maysearch for the bias point closest to 0V using an asymmetric zigzagsweep.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a further graph 104showing the bias voltage 20 that may be supplied by the processor 14when searching for the bias point closest to 0V using an asymmetriczigzag sweep. For example, the corners of an asymmetric zigzag sweep maybe: −1V, +1.5V, −2V, +2.5V, −3V, +3.5V etc. Preferably, a magnitudeincrement of +0.5V per corner of the asymmetric zigzag sweep is used.However, any appropriate increment may be used. An asymmetric zigzagsweep tends to be more efficient than a symmetric zigzag sweep. Thenumber of corners that a zigzag sweep comprises may advantageously beselected to provide a desired balance between the speed with which abias point is found and the location of the bias point closest to 0V.

In the above embodiments, the bias voltage is applied to the modulatorby the processor via the DAC and the amplifier. Additionally, the DACmay be used to control the bias range (i.e. the voltage range of thebias voltage). The amplifier may act so as to increase the overallamplitude of the voltage output by the DAC. The amplifier may also actso as to offset the output of the DAC so that the DAC mid-scale is atapproximately 0V. For example, the DAC may have an output range of 0 to0.5V. With such a DAC. an amplifier gain of x8 and input offset of−0.25V may yield an output range of approximately −4V to +4V.

Optionally, if the bias voltage output by the processor lies outside thebias range defined by the DAC, the bias controller may perform one ormore appropriate actions.

For example, if the bias range (defined by the DAC) is exceeded (or anextreme of the bias range is reached) during the process of searchingfor the bias point closest to 0V, the bias voltage may be reset to 0Vand the search process may be restarted.

Also for example, if the bias range (defined by the DAC) is exceeded (oran extreme of the bias range is reached) during the fast-trackingprocess, the bias voltage may be reset to 0V and the control algorithmmay be restarted.

Also for example, if the bias range (defined by the DAC) is exceeded (oran extreme of the bias range is reached) during the slow-trackingprocess, a host system (e.g. such as that that may be connected to theprocessor as described above) may be notified of the situation, and thebias controller may maintain the bias voltage at the extreme of the biasrange. This extreme bias voltage may be maintained, e.g., until either:(i) the host system instructs the bias controller to reset the biasvoltage to its initial value (e.g. to 0V); (ii) the bias point driftsback into the bias range; or (iii) a pre-defined time period elapses, atwhich point the bias controller resets the bias voltage to its initialvalue. In this case, the extreme bias voltage would tend to result frombias point drift over an extended period of operation, and so dwellingat a bias point extreme may be an acceptable option.

In other words, during the process of searching for, or tracking, a biaspoint, the bias voltage may be confined to being within the bias range.

Optionally, the bias controller may warn the host system when the biasvoltage is close to its limits (i.e. close to moving outside the biasrange). This would advantageously tend to allow the host system toschedule a reset of the bias voltage to its initial value, before such areset becomes essential.

A bias voltage may be generated using a digital counter or accumulator.Such devices are capable of ‘wrapping round’, e.g. 4095+1=0 and0−1=4095. This may result in oscillation between two bias voltageextremes. This problem advantageously tends to be solved by confiningthe bias range as described above.

In some embodiments, if the laser is disabled (i.e. turned off), thebias controller performs an action that is dependent upon the stabilityhistory of the modulator. For example, if the laser is disabled, theprocess of FIG. 9 may be performed.

FIG. 9 is a process flow chart showing certain steps of a process thatmay be performed by the bias controller 4 if the laser is disabled, e.g.during normal operation.

At step s40, it is determined for how long the modulator has operated at(or proximate to) its bias point between the laser being enabled and thelaser being disabled. In other words, it is determined for how long thebias point of the modulator had been held. This may be performed, forexample, by the processor 14 of the bias controller 4.

If, at step s40, it is determined that the modulator has operated at (orproximate to) its bias point for one hour or longer, the bias point ofthe modulator may be referred to as an “established bias point” for themodulator and the method proceeds to step s42. In other embodiments, adifferent range of time (i.e. different to the one hour or longer range)may be used instead of the one hour or longer time range.

If, at step s40, it is determined that the modulator has operated at (orproximate to) its bias point for between 10 minutes and one hour, thebias point of the modulator may be referred to as a “recently acquiredbias point” for the modulator, and the method proceeds to step s44. Inother embodiments, a different range of time (i.e. different to thebetween 10 minutes and one hour range) may be used instead of thebetween 10 minutes and one hour time range.

If, at step s40, it is determined that the modulator has operated at (orproximate to) its bias point for 10 minutes or less, the bias point ofthe modulator may be referred to as a “just acquired bias point” for themodulator, and the method proceeds to step s46. In other embodiments, adifferent range of time (i.e. different to the 10 minutes or less range)may be used instead of the 10 minutes or less time range.

At step s42, the bias controller 4 operates so as to maintain the biasvoltage supplied to the modulator for a relatively long period of time.The period of time is long relative to the period of time that the biasvoltage would be maintained for at step s44. In this embodiment, thisrelatively long period of time is 10 minutes. However, in otherembodiments, this long period of time is a different period of time. Ifthe laser is not re-enabled within this long period of time, the biascontroller 4 operates so as to reset the bias voltage supplied to themodulator (i.e. return the bias voltage to 0V).

In this case, the modulator has been operating at an established biaspoint for a relatively long period of time (i.e. an hour or more). Whenthe laser is disabled the bias voltage for the laser is maintained for arelatively long period of time (i.e. 10 minutes). If the laser issubsequently re-enabled in this 10 minute period, it tends to be likelythat the bias point for the modulator will be at or close to theposition of the bias point when the laser was disabled. Thus,maintaining the bias voltage for the modulator for a relatively longperiod of time tends to result in quicker availability of the modulatoroutput, and less disturbance of the modulator. This tends to minimise orreduce future drift of the modulator bias point.

At step s44, the bias controller 4 operates so as to maintain the biasvoltage supplied to the modulator for a relatively short period of time.The period of time is short relative to the period of time that the biasvoltage would be maintained for at step s42. In this embodiment, thisrelatively short period of time is 10 seconds. However, in otherembodiments, this short period of time is a different period of time. Ifthe laser is not re-enabled within this short period of time, the biascontroller 4 operates so as to reset the bias voltage supplied to themodulator (i.e. return the bias voltage to 0V). In other embodiments,the bias voltage may be reset to a different value.

In this case, the modulator has been operating at a recently acquiredbias point for a relatively short period of time (e.g. between 10minutes and an hour). This bias point tends not to be as stable as itwould be if the modulator has been operating at that bias point for overan hour. When the laser is disabled the bias voltage for the laser ismaintained for a relatively short period of time (e.g. 10 seconds). Ifthe laser is subsequently re-enabled in this 10 second period, it tendsto be likely that the bias point for the modulator will be at or closeto the position of the bias point when the laser was disabled. Thus,maintaining the bias voltage for the modulator for a relatively shortperiod of time tends to result in quicker availability of the modulatoroutput, and less disturbance of the modulator. This tends to minimise orreduce future drift of the modulator bias point.

At step s46, the bias controller 4 operates so as to reset the biasvoltage supplied to the modulator (i.e. return the bias voltage to 0V).In other embodiments, the bias voltage may be reset to a differentvalue.

In this case, the modulator has been operating at a just acquired biaspoint for a short period of time (i.e. 10 minutes or less). This biaspoint tends not to be particularly stable and so the bias voltage is notmaintained.

Thus, a process that may be performed by the bias controller if thelaser is disabled is provided. In this embodiment, the bias controller 4performs an action depending upon the stability history of themodulator. The hold time for the bias voltage (i.e. whether the biasvoltage is maintained for a relatively long time, a relatively shorttime, or reset) is dependent upon the length of time for which themodulator had operated at a bias point. However, in other embodiments,the hold time for the bias voltage is dependent upon one or moredifferent criteria instead of or in addition to being dependent upon thelength of time for which the modulator had operated at a bias point. Forexample, the hold time could also be selected dependent upon a recentrate of change of the bias voltage. Also, the hold time may be selecteddependent upon recent changes in temperature of the modulator.

In the above embodiments, once the bias point has been tracked (e.g.using the slow tracking process as described above with reference tostep s20 of FIG. 5) for an extended period of time, this bias pointtends to be stable. Thus, changes to the supplied bias voltage may occurduring the slow-tracking process. However, in other embodiments, once abias point is stable, the bias voltage is only adjusted when the biascontroller is instructed to do so, e.g. by the host system.

In the above embodiments, when the laser is initially enabled (i.e.switched on), the output power of the laser may initially vary (e.g. fora few seconds after the laser has been enabled). As a result, the outputof the modulator may vary. The bias controller may attempt to track thisvariation in the modulator output. However, in other embodiments,changes to the bias voltage are not permitted during the first fewseconds of laser operation (e.g. if a previous bias point is alreadybeing held). This may be achieved, for example, in the above describedsecond embodiment by the processor monitoring the signals from the lasercontroller that are indicative of the state of the laser (i.e. that areindicative of whether the laser is enabled or disabled). In otherembodiments, the laser power may be monitored at the input to themodulator (e.g. either by means of an analogue-to-digital converter or adifferentiator circuit), and bias point adjustment is only permittedwhen the laser power is determined to be stable.

In the above embodiments, the window comparator is configured to allowsmall errors in the setting of the bias point of the modulator. Thisadvantageously tends to reduce or eliminate a need to continuouslyadjust the bias voltage of the modulator. Such continuous adjustment ofthe bias voltage supplied to the modulator may detrimentally affect theperformance of the system. The configuration of the window comparator toallow small errors in the setting of the bias point may be using astandard operational amplifier (“op-amp”) circuit in which a thresholdfor the modulator output being “too high” (relative to the targetvoltage) is set a relatively small distance above that for the modulatoroutput being “too low”. In other words, there may be a “window” betweenthresholds for modulator output being “too high” and “too low”. Thisrelatively small distance, or window, may, for example, be approximately2% of the expected output power at quadrature. This advantageously tendsto provide for the effective tracking of a bias point, e.g. when themodulator output is a fast-moving signal. In other embodiments, thewindow between the thresholds for the modulator output being “too highand “too low” may be a different size. The size of this window may beadvantageously selected to achieve a balance between a level of biaspoint error and the performance impact of unnecessary bias voltageadjustment. The size of this window may be fixed or variable.Furthermore, the size of this window may be set empirically e.g. toattempt to optimise system performance. In other embodiments, the windowcomparator may be replaced with an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC).The determination of whether the modulator output is “too high” or “toolow” relative to the target voltage may be performed using software. Useof such an ADC tends to be particularly beneficial in embodiments inwhich the processor is a microcontroller because microcontrollerstypically have integral ADCs. Digitising the determination of whetherthe modulator output is “too high” or “too low” relative to the targetvoltage advantageously tends to allow for more sophisticated chasing andtracking of a bias point to be performed using a conventional controlalgorithm e.g. a proportional+integral+derivative (PID) controller.

An advantage provided by the above described system and methods is thatthe stability of the bias point of the modulator tends to be improved.The advantage tends to be provided by keeping the bias point as close to0V as possible. Also, the advantage tends to be provided bysubstantially minimising or reducing the amount of voltage change thatthe modulator is exposed to.

The above provided systems and methods do not implement a pilot tone ordither frequency and therefore tend not to suffer from the abovementioned disadvantages associated with such features.

The bias point of the modulator may tend to drift over time. This may bedue to a combination of factors. For example, changes in temperature maycause the bias point to drift. Also for example, electro-mechanicaleffects (e.g. mechanical stresses to the modulator chip introduced bythe application of voltage to its piezo-electric substrate) may causethe bias point to drift. Also for example, bias voltages may drift awayfrom 0V over time due to trapped charge domains on the surface of themodulator. Also for example, due to realignment of trapped charges, anystep change in bias voltage may result in a period of bias point drift.

As modulators tend to respond relatively slowly, the above describedcontrol algorithm tends not to have to be run particularly quickly. Forexample, the control algorithm may be run at a speed of 8 updates persecond. Thus, advantageously, there tends not to be a need for either ahigh speed or high quality clock for running the above described controlalgorithm. Thus, it tends to be possible to implement the controlalgorithm using, e.g., on-chip oscillators of low cost microcontrollersor a resistor programmable oscillator running at, for example, 50 KHz.Advantageously, this tends to results in relatively low powerconsumption and reduced digital noise.

Advantageously, it tends to be possible to reduce or minimise a risk ofsignature or signal corruption by running the above described circuit ata very low clock rate. Furthermore, the risk of signature or signalcorruption may also be reduced or minimised by only communicating withthe DAC when a new output value (i.e. bias voltage) is to be supplied tothe modulator.

The processing load of the control algorithm tends to be low. Thus, ittends to be possible for multiple modulators to share the sameprocessor. This advantageously tends to reduce the hardware requirementsof a multi-channel system.

Advantageously, it tends to be possible to temporarily fix (i.e. lock orhold) the bias voltage (i.e. to maintain the bias voltage at a certainvalue). This may be performed by the processor, e.g. in response to aninstruction from the host system. This feature tends to be useful duringself-calibration processes as it tends to prevent the addition ofphase/amplitude errors in the output of the modulator.

The above described system and method advantageously tends to avoid theneed for a look-up table, or a search for a peak modulator output. Therelatively simple control hardware sets the bias point with apotentiometer and monitors the bias point with a window detector.Furthermore, the simplified hardware advantageously tends to make theacquisition of the operating bias point substantially faster than isconventionally possible. For example, an operating bias point can befound in approximately 2-10 seconds using the above described system andmethods, as opposed to 30 s to several minutes that tends to be requiredby conventional apparatus and processes.

In the above provided system and apparatus, the output power of themodulator may be measured from the modulator's dump port (i.e. a secondarm of the output coupler). This advantageously tends to maximise theoutput power of the modulator that is available to the host system. Inaddition, the monitoring photodiode may be integrated into the modulatorpackage rather than using an external optical tap.

The above described system and methods advantageously tend to providefor the faster acquisition of the bias point. Also, the above describedsystem and methods advantageously tend to provide for the reduction orminimisation of bias point drift. Also, the above described system andmethods advantageously tend to provide for the graceful (i.e.controlled) degradation of performance when the extreme of the biascontrol range is reached. It tends to be possible to avoid thisdegradation altogether e.g. by warning the host system when the extremeof the bias control range is being approached so that the host systemcan schedule a reset of the modulator.

The above described methods are advantageously simple. Firstly, a targetoutput power, corresponding to quadrature bias is set. Secondly, whenthe laser is switched on and its output is stable, the search for a biaspoint commences. A bias point is found by matching the output from themodulator to the set target output power by adjusting the bias voltage.The bias point closest to 0V is located. This bias point tends to havethe minimum potential to drift. This bias point is found by sweeping thebias voltage in a gradually increasing zigzag centred about 0V until thetarget power is reached. The found bias point is then tracked. Shouldthe bias voltage approach the limit of a control range whilst beingtracked, the system may be reset, i.e. the bias voltage may be returnedto zero and the search for a bias point may be restarted. The hostsystem may be warned, and allowed to select when the reset actuallyhappens (to prevent loss of service during critical operations). Shouldthe bias voltage reach the limit of the control range, the bias voltagemay be held (i.e. fixed or maintained at the extreme value), therebyallowing the RF performance of the system to gradually degrade. The hostsystem may be notified that the bias voltage limit has been reached. Thehost system may be allowed to choose when a reset happens. Should thelaser be turned off, the bias voltage may be held at its current valuefor a defined period of time. This defined time period may be dependentupon how long the bias point of the modulator had been maintained (i.e.how stable the bias point is).

1. A method of controlling an optical modulator, the modulator beingconfigurable to be biased by application of the bias voltage such thatthe modulator operates at quadrature, the method comprising: receiving,by the modulator, an optical input; outputting, by the modulator, anoptical output having an output power; providing a target for the outputpower, the target for the output power being an output powercorresponding to the modulator operating at quadrature; applying, to themodulator, a bias voltage that biases the modulator so that the outputpower is within a pre-defined range of the target output power;thereafter, detecting that an optical input to the optical modulator hasbeen disabled; determining a first length of time, the first length oftime being a length of time that, prior to the optical input to theoptical modulator being disabled, the output power of the modulator waswithin the pre-defined range of the target output power; and maintainingthe bias voltage at its current level for a second length of time, thesecond length of time being dependent upon the first length of time. 2.A method according to claim 1, wherein the bias voltage is confined tobeing within the pre-defined bias voltage range.
 3. A method accordingclaim 2, the method further comprising, if the bias voltage is at avalue that is at an extreme of the pre-defined bias voltage range,re-setting the bias voltage to be equal to an initial value.
 4. A methodaccording to claim 3, wherein, prior to re-setting the bias voltage tobe equal to its initial value, the current level of the bias voltage ismaintained for a predetermined length of time.
 5. A method according toclaim 1, wherein after the bias voltage has been maintained at itscurrent level for a predetermined length of time, the bias voltage isreset to an initial value.
 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein thebias voltage is confined to being within the pre-defined bias voltagerange, and the method further comprises, if the bias voltage is at avalue that is at an extreme of the pre-defined bias voltage range,re-setting the bias voltage to be equal to an initial value, wherein theinitial value is 0V.
 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein thecurrent level of the bias voltage is maintained for a predeterminedlength of time, and the predetermined length is zero if the first lengthof time is below a threshold value.
 8. A method according to claim 1,the method further comprising monitoring the output power of themodulator and, if the output power of the modulator is determined to beoutside the pre-defined range of the target output power, varying thevalue of the bias voltage so as to bring the output power of themodulator back to being within the pre-defined range of the targetoutput power.
 9. A method according to claim 8, the method furthercomprising, if, in order to bring the output power of the modulator backto being within the pre-defined range of the target output power, thebias voltage is to be set at a value that is outside the pre-definedbias voltage range, sending, for use by a host system, a status message.10. A method according to claim 8, wherein varying the value of the biasvoltage so as to bring the output power of the modulator back to beingwithin the pre-defined range of the target output power comprises:comparing the output power of the modulator to the target output powerto determine whether the output power of the modulator is either higheror lower than the pre-defined range of the target output power;determining a direction of a slope of the output power of the modulatorrelative to the applied bias voltage; and depending on the determinedslope direction and whether the output power of the modulator is eitherhigher or lower than the pre-defined range of the target output power,either increasing or decreasing the bias voltage by a predeterminedamount.
 11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the predeterminedamount that bias voltage is either increased or decreased by isdependent upon the first length of time.
 12. A method according to claim10, wherein comparing the output power of the modulator to the targetoutput power is performed either: using a window comparator; or using ananalogue to digital converter and digital processor.
 13. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the output power of the modulator iswithin a pre-defined range of the target output power if the outputpower of the modulator is substantially equal to the target outputpower.
 14. A method according to claim 1, wherein the target outputpower is provided, at least in part, by a potentiometer or adigital-to-analogue converter.
 15. A method of controlling a modulatingunit for an optical communications system, the modulating unitcomprising a laser for generating an optical carrier signal, an opticalmodulator for modulating the optical carrier signal, the opticalmodulator being configurable to be biased by application of a biasvoltage such that the optical modulator operates at quadrature, themethod comprising controlling the bias voltage supplied to the opticalmodulator using the method of claim
 1. 16. An apparatus for controllingan optical modulator, the modulator being configurable to be biased byapplication of the bias voltage such that the modulator operates atquadrature, the modulator being configured to receive an optical inputand output an optical output, the optical output having an output power,the apparatus comprising: voltage supply circuitry configured to apply,to the modulator, a bias voltage that biases the modulator so that theoutput power is within a pre-defined range of a target output power, thetarget for the output power being an output power corresponding to themodulator operating at quadrature; detection circuitry comprising atleast one of an optical sensor and a processor, the detection circuitryconfigured to detect that an optical input to the optical modulator hasbeen disabled; and one or more processors configured to determine afirst length of time, the first length of time being a length of timethat, prior to the optical input to the optical modulator beingdisabled, the output power of the modulator was within the pre-definedrange of the target output power; wherein the voltage supply circuitryis further configured to, when the optical input to the opticalmodulator is disabled, maintain the bias voltage at its current levelfor a second length of time, the second length of time being dependentupon the first length of time.
 17. One or more non-transient machinereadable mediums having instructions encoded thereon that when executedby one or more processors cause a process to be carried out forcontrolling an optical modulator, the modulator being configurable to bebiased by application of the bias voltage such that the modulatoroperates at quadrature, the process comprising. receiving, by themodulator, an optical input; outputting, by the modulator, an opticaloutput having an output power; providing a target for the output power,the target for the output power being an output power corresponding tothe modulator operating at quadrature; applying, to the modulator, abias voltage that biases the modulator so that the output power iswithin a pre-defined range of the target output power; thereafter,detecting that an optical input to the optical modulator has beendisabled; determining a first length of time, the first length of timebeing a length of time that, prior to the optical input to the opticalmodulator being disabled, the output power of the modulator was withinthe pre-defined range of the target output power; and maintaining thebias voltage at its current level for a second length of time, thesecond length of time being dependent upon the first length of time. 18.One or more non-transient machine readable mediums according to claim17, the process further comprising, if the bias voltage is at a valuethat is at an extreme of the pre-defined bias voltage range, re-settingthe bias voltage to be equal to an initial value.
 19. An apparatusaccording to claim 16, wherein if the output power of the modulator isdetermined to be outside the pre-defined range of the target outputpower, the one or more processors are further configured to vary thevalue of the bias voltage so as to bring the output power of themodulator back to being within the pre-defined range of the targetoutput power, by: comparing, by a the output power of the modulator tothe target output power to determine whether the output power of themodulator is either higher or lower than the pre-defined range of thetarget output power; determining a direction of a slope of the outputpower of the modulator relative to the applied bias voltage; anddepending on the determined slope direction and whether the output powerof the modulator is either higher or lower than the pre-defined range ofthe target output power, either increasing or decreasing the biasvoltage by a predetermined amount.
 20. An apparatus according to claim16, wherein the target output power is provided, at least in part, by apotentiometer or a digital-to-analogue converter.